About this episode
Author: Sam Killian, M.D. Educational Pearls Transient global amnesia is a paroxysmal, transient memory issue. Remote and immediate memory is preserved, but new memories cannot be made. Patients will have a normal neurological exam and usually no other complaints. The episode will last less than 24 hours, but they usually resolve after 1-2 hours. This is relatively common. It happens in 5/100000 people, mostly men over 50. Recurrence is rare. There is no known cause, but it is associated with migraines and classically occurs after heavy physical exertion or emotional stress. Workup includes a full neuro exam, imaging for ongoing symptoms, and labs to rule out other causes. Patients can be sent home with reassurance after symptoms resolve. Instruct them to follow up with neurology. Patients with continuing symptoms should be admitted. References: Owen D, Paranandi B, Sivakumar R, Seevaratnam M. Classical diseases revisited: transient global amnesia. Postgraduate Medical Journal . 2007;83(978):236-239. doi:10.1136/pgmj.2006.052472.